Local Ojai Author Catherine Ann Jones will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Saturday, May 25, to give a talk on her book East & West: Stories of India.

East & West is a captivating book, in which contrasting and complementary aspects of Indian culture are explored through stories of seekers, stories of ordinary Indians, and stories of heroes, frauds, and victims. R.E. Mark Lee, author of World Teacher: The Life and Teachings of J. Krishnamurti, writes that:

“In the best tradition of storytelling in India, this new book by Catherine Ann Jones is a modern classic. Seemingly covering the entirety of Indian culture, values, current events, and philosophy, the fifteen stories in her collection will long be treasured for capturing the ethos of the twenty-first century. In spite of the 114th sloka of the Dharma Shastra that intones ‘The essence of dharma is hidden and elusive,’ it is true that the Catherine Ann Jones dharma is storytelling.”

Description automatically generated with medium confidence Catherine Ann Jones has played major roles in over fifty productions on and off-Broadway, later becoming an award-winning playwright. To learn more about Catherine Ann Jones, visit wayofstory.com.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

Dear Valued OACT Community and Theater Enthusiasts,

As spring sweeps the valley, our stage switches from one show to the next! Step into an exciting world of live theatrics with our latest offering, One Acts, directed by Steve Grumette. This is a special event to benefit the 85th Anniversary of the Ojai Art Center, and promises to be an unforgettable evening of drama, laughter, and introspection. This short run of performances will play weekends from May 3rd to May 19th in our cozy theater, with a vibrant showcase of compelling one-act plays that explore the nuances of human relationships and personal journeys.

Under the direction of Steve Grumette and Ashley Osler, a dynamic cast featuring Lynn Van Emmerik, Buddy Wilds, Anna Kotula, and Steve Grumette will bring these stories to life. It promises to be an evening that is as enriching as it is entertaining!

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Senior Men’s Group meets from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Any man who considers himself in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group.  Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus.

Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information or visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011, Rose 805-659-9223, or [email protected]. All Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society’s meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. A website with more information can be found at https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup First Saturday of every month! Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided BYO water.

Paws for Reading brings together young readers and affectionate canine listeners to help boost the confidence of beginning readers. Hill Road Library, Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. and E.P. Foster Library, Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch. Children of all ages are welcome.

May 5: Open house tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will take place on Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. We will also have an exhibit of our award-winning Ventura County Fair display, “Times in the Life of the Dudley Family” in our Community Room. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets (197 N. Ashwood). For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at dudleyhouse.org.

May 14: The San Buenaventura Women’s Club will be meeting at the Poinsettia Pavilion at 12 noon for lunch, program and meeting. New officers for the term 2024-2026 will be inducted. and member achievements will be recognized.  Lunch is $25. Reservations may be made with [email protected].  

June 22: The “Ventura High School Class of 71 Turns 71” Reunion will be held on June 22,2024, at the Pierpont Raquet Club (500 Sanjon Rd. Vta) from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and light appetizers will be served.

Please RSVP by June 1^st to: [email protected]

$50 per person-payment information to follow your RSVP

July 20 & July 21: As part of the 50th Reunion of the Ventura High School Class of 1974, we are organizing an all-inclusive Combined Reunion with the VHS Classes of 1973 and 1975 and the St. Bonaventure and Buena Classes of 1973, 1974 and 1975. The unique and major event is scheduled from 2-7 pm Sunday, at the iconic Tony’s Pizzaria.

Our traditional reunion with just our class is scheduled Saturday, July 20, from 5-9 pm at historic Ventura City Hall.

Dance Ojai, a newly established dance arts organization, proudly announces the inaugural Ojai World Dance Festival, celebrating cultural diversity and artistic creativity. The festival will take place on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, from 7-9 PM at the iconic Libbey Bowl in Ojai.

The Ojai World Dance Festival promises to be a mesmerizing evening of vibrant and magnetic multicultural dance performances featuring highly acclaimed artists from around southern California.

The festival will be accompanied by an eclectic mix of music, ranging from traditional rhythms to contemporary beats, adding an extra layer of energy and excitement to the performances. Whether it’s the infectious grooves of Bollywood or the pulsating rhythms of salsa, the music at the Ojai World Dance Festival will transport audiences on a journey around the world through sound and movement.

Join Dance Ojai for an unforgettable evening of celebration and unity at the Ojai World Dance Festival. Tickets are available online at www.OjaiDanceFestival.org.

For more information about Dance Ojai and the Ojai World Dance Festival, please visit www.DanceOjai.org or contact their team at [email protected].

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is pleased to present a performance by Live-Looping Electric Cellist, Composer and Recording Artist Briana Tam on Sunday, April 21st at 3 pm.

Using her bare feet, her loop station, and her electric cello, Brianna Tam envelops listeners in her mesmerizing and dynamic symphonic realm while simultaneously capturing their hearts with her charming and charismatic personality.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at:

https://www.beatricewood.com/brianna_tam.htmlThe Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is located at 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road in Upper Ojai.

Associate Professor of English Dr. Bob Mayberry will visit the Ojai Library at 6pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, to give a talk titled “Who Wrote Shakespeare?” This program is a part of the California State University, Channel Islands Library Lecture Series.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

A special program coming up at the Ojai Library. Local Ojai author Joseph M. Puglia will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Saturday, April 27, to give a talk titled “A Brief History of Westward Expansion from Thomas Jefferson through the Manifest Destiny.”

by Ana Baker

Ventura Senior Men’s Group meets at the Poinsettia Pavilion from 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Any man in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group.  Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information, visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. There are all levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact Richard 805-850-8011, Rose 805-659-9223, or [email protected]. All are Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup: This is the first Saturday of every month! Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Pierpont Beach Community Council hosts it in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up near the beach at the end of Seward. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided BYO water.

Paws for Reading brings together young readers and affectionate canine listeners to help boost the confidence of beginning readers. Hill Road Library, Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. and

E.P. Foster Library, Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch. Children of all ages are welcome.

April 18: New Art City Theatre is conducting an online Art Auction supporting its inaugural Playwrights Festival ’24. The work of Ventura actress and fine artist Virginia (Ginnie) Buckle will be showcased at the Museum of Ventura County. Her art, along with pieces by Beatrice Wood, Dickens Change, and Alexander Calder, can be viewed and bid on at https://event.auctria.com/e77dedcf-61ff-405b-850d-430b5f285ef9/

April 18: The East Ventura Community Council (EVCC) will meet virtually at 7 p.m. At https://eastventura.org/ for the Zoom meeting link. The agenda

includes the East Ventura police report and a presentation from Dani Brusius, Ventura County Master Gardener. The purpose of the EVCC is to encourage residents to understand East Ventura’s problems, needs, and expectations and to recommend, initiate, and participate in developing and implementing programs or solutions.

April 20: Plant & collectibles sale at the Dudley House Museum Saturday 8 -2 p.m.
Our monthly plant and collectibles sale continues in April on the grounds at the Dudley
House. Bromeliads, orchids, and succulents will be on sale along with various collectibles. Vendors, please call Charlie at 805/746-4317 for details. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets (197 N. Ashwood). Free

April 24th: The College Area Community Council will be holding a Zoom meeting at 7pm. Council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. This meeting will include the election of officers. An invitation and link to the meeting will be sent to everyone on the CACC mailing list. Visit the College Area Community Council website @ https://caccventura.com to learn more, to be added to the mailing list or to access a link to the Zoom meeting.”

April 25-28: New Art City the Playwrights Festival ’24 will be held at the Museum. See renowned actress Sally Struthers in Drowned Cats, one of four brand-new plays presented in a jam-packed schedule of staged readings and discussion panels with the audience. Go to https://newartcitytheatre.org to register for your free tickets.

April 27: RescueCon, OPAC’s one-day event bringing creativity and community together to celebrate and facilitate animal rescue and adoption, returns on Saturday, April 27 from 11 am to 4pm. Rescheduled from March 23 due to wind and rain, this year’s event features animal welfare influencer, the Kitten Lady (Hannah Shaw), and is free and open to the public. Festivities will be held at Community Center Park East, just behind the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. More information can be found at: theopac.org/rescueconApril 27:

May 1: The Ventura County Garden Club is celebrating 100 years of sharing friendship, gardening, and beautification projects. Join the fun at the Camarillo Ranch House starting at 10 a.m. Events include car, flower, and quilt shows, performances, snacks, and a picnic luncheon with desserts; send your check for $50 made out to VCGC to Nancy Cope at 603 4th St., Fillmore, 93015. Please indicate your luncheon choice of Roast Turkey and Jack Cheese, Black Forest Ham and Cheddar Cheese, Vegetable and Cheese, or vegan sandwich, and, if you prefer, the gluten-free option. For more information, VenturaCountyGardenClub.com”

May 7: Hill Road Library presents the Associate Professor of English Bob Mayberry at 5 p.m. on Tuesday to deliver a presentation entitled “Who Wrote Shakespeare? The Shakespeare Authorship Controversy.” This program is a part of the California State University, Channel Islands Library Lecture Series. Location: 1070 S. Hill Road.

May 25: Group: Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG)
Online and at Ventura County Computers 2175 Goodyear Avenue, Unit 117. (805) 289-3960
Discussion, Tutorial, and Q&A sessions centered around Computers, email,
the Internet, AI, and social media brokers such as X, Facebook, and
Google.  Events begin at 9:30AM.
Due to limited space live attendance is reserved for members.  Details for connecting to online
events are emailed prior to the event.  To receive connection
instructions, please sign up on our website at: <a
href=http://www.cipcug.org>cipcug club website</a>.

Chamber On The Mountain, a chamber music concert series in Ojai, CA, presents the brilliant young pianist, Dominic Cheli, for a beautiful solo piano performance on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 3:00 pm. The performance takes place in Logan House, located at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Upper Ojai. Tickets $35.00 at ChamberOnTheMountain.com. Audience members are invited to meet the artist at a lovely outdoor patio reception following the performance, while taking in a breathtaking view of Topa Topa Mountain.

Alongside the beauty of the Ojai Valley are many citizens in need of assistance. The Ojai Women’s Fund (OWF) is holding an educational event on April 11, highlighting two new trends. Megan Telfer and Jayn Walter, the co-executive directors of Help of Ojai, will speak. The talk and following discussion will be held at the Sane Living Center on April 1, 5:30 to 7 PM.

Ojai Women’s Fund welcomes all Ojai Valley residents to meet and converse about the various needs in our valley, what is being done, and what more is needed. Doors open at 5:15 PM, and refreshments will be served.

Come and be informed! You will be astounded at all our very beloved Ojai needs, most never seen by residents or tourists. Seating is limited so kindly RSVP at https://www.ojaiwomensfund2.org.

Events by Ana Baker

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. There are all levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact Richard 805-850-8011, Rose 805-659-9223, or [email protected]. All are Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup: This is the first Saturday of every month! Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Pierpont Beach Community Council hosts it in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up near the beach at the end of Seward. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided BYO water.

Paws for Reading brings together young readers and affectionate canine listeners to help boost the confidence of beginning readers. Hill Road Library, Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. and

E.P. Foster Library, Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch. Children of all ages are welcome.

April 4, 8: Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. Upcoming close-ended Spring support groups are Healing Grief Through Art, Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m. (April 4th through April 25^th), Healing Grief through Yoga, Mondays 6-7:30 p.m. (April 8 through May 20^th). Space is limited. All support groups are free for the community. For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief.

April 6: Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale at the Vons shopping center at Telegraph & Victoria from 10 – 3 p.m. Children’s books – buy one get one Free (except graphic novels) DVDs and CDs $1.00 each, Books on CD $1.50-$2.00 each.

April 7: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.
Sunday 2:00-4:00 pm Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd.
Live Music on stage. Jamming in the Canada Room. Free Admission. Free parking
Open to the Public. For more information call 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA

April 13: The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to take a boating safety course that meets the National Boating Education Standards before they go boating.

The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Boat America course is an introductory boater certificate

course for novice boaters. The Boater Card, issued from the state Division of Boating and Waterways, is required this year for persons 60 years of age or younger.

Saturday 8- 4:30 p.m. Location is Coast Guard Recruiting Building, Oxnard. Cost is $30. Checks payable to: “USCG Aux Flotilla 72”. RSVP by April 5 seating is limited. Contact Auxiliarist Robert Hamming, [email protected], (805) 701-7216.

April 20: On Saturday afternoon, from 1-3 p.m., the Ventura County Genealogical Society will present genealogist Debra Dudek speaking on “Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations.” All VCGS lectures are free and open to members and the public. Non-members may request a Zoom invitation at https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/. Please note that VCGS cannot respond to same-day requests. The DNA Special Interest Group meeting will precede the general meeting from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Zoom. Lauran Elam will address “The Leeds Method and Other Data Visualizations I Wish I’d Learned Sooner.” Contact [email protected] to be added to the DNA SIG invitation list.

April 21: The Hill Road Library would like to share an upcoming event as part of the California State University-Channel Islands Library Lecture Series. Dr. Geoffrey Dilly, Associate Professor of Biology at CSU-CI, will visit the Hill Road Library at 1070 S Hill Rd at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday to give a talk entitled “Peering into the Darkness: Exploring the Deep Sea.”

Events by Ana Baker

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. There are all levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact Richard 805-850-8011, Rose 805-659-9223, or [email protected]. All are Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup: This is the first Saturday of every month! Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up near the beach at the end of Seward. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided BYO water.

Paws for Reading brings together young readers and affectionate canine listeners to help boost the confidence of beginning readers. Hill Road Library, Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. and

E.P. Foster Library, Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch. Children of all ages are welcome.

March 21: The East Ventura Community Council (EVCC) will meet virtually at 7 p.m. Visit the EVCC website at https://eastventura.org/ for the Zoom meeting link. The agenda includes the East Ventura police report and a presentation from Korinne Bell, Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner. Ms. Bell will brief us on the agricultural issues facing East Ventura.

March 23: The office of Senator Monique Limon alongside Assemblymember Steve Bennett will host a free tax preparation event. Eligible community members are invited to receive free tax filing services, claim the earned income tax credit (if applicable), enjoy free tacos, and learn about community resources. Services are available in both English and Spanish.

9 – 1 p.m. CLU Oxnard Campus 2201 Outlet Center Dr. #600 Oxnard. Schedule an appointment by dialing 21.

March 27: The College Area Community Council in Ventura will hold an in-person and Zoom meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Community council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest. Our meeting will take place in person at CAPS Media, 65 Day Rd., and by Zoom. Visit the CACC website at https://caccventura.com for more information, a Zoom link to the meeting, or to be added to the mailing list.

April 3: The Ventura County Garden Club celebrates its 100th Year Season in 2024.  The Fillmore members and the Fillmore Director/Organizer, Stephen McKeown, will provide the luncheon.  The Luncheon will be held at noon on Wednesday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 117 N. 7th Street, Santa Paula. We welcome new members. For more information, visit our website at VenturaCountyGardenClub.com.

April 3: Tammy Glenn, Executive Director of CAREGIVERS, will speak at BCNN’s April meeting. Caregivers was developed as a community-based model to meet the growing need for services for frail and homebound elderly people.

BCNN, Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers, meets the first Wednesday of the month from 9:30 to 11 a.m. It offers dozens of small group activities, from sports activities to wine tasting, bridge, games, book groups, and more. www.bcnnwomensclub.org. The meeting is at PCYC Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club, 2600 Harbor BLVD, Oxnard.

April 6: Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale at the Vons shopping center at Telegraph & Victoria from 10 to 3 p.m. Children’s books—buy one, get one Free (except graphic novels), puzzles, DVDs, and CDs—are $1.00 each. Books on CD are $1.50-$2.00 each.

April 27: Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG) Online and Live at our temporary location Ventura County Computers 2175 Goodyear Avenue, Unit 117. Discussion, Tutorial, and Q&A sessions centered around Computers, email, the Internet, AI, and social media brokers such as X, Facebook, and Google.  Events begin Saturday at 9:30 a.m. CIPCUG events may be attended online.  Due to limited space, live attendance is reserved for members.  To receive connection instructions, please sign up on our website at www.cipcug.org. (805) 289-3960.

Ojai Events

Dance Ojai, a newly established dance arts organization, proudly announces the inaugural Ojai World Dance Festival, celebrating cultural diversity and artistic creativity. The festival will take place on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, from 7-9 PM at the iconic Libbey Bowl in Ojai, California.

The Ojai World Dance Festival promises to be a mesmerizing evening of vibrant and magnetic multicultural dance performances featuring highly acclaimed artists from around southern California. Audiences will be treated to diverse dance styles, including Indian classical dance, flamenco, samba, contemporary, and more, showcasing the rich tapestry of global dance traditions.

Join Dance Ojai for an unforgettable evening of celebration and unity at the Ojai World Dance Festival. Tickets are available online at www.OjaiDanceFestival.org.

For more information about Dance Ojai and the Ojai World Dance Festival, please visit www.DanceOjai.org or contact their team at [email protected].

Visit the Ojai Library at 2:30pm on Sundays in March, April, and May to participate in the library’s new Wonder Workshop craft program!

Calling all curious minds and creative souls! The Ojai Library is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest event series, the Wonder Workshop, designed specifically for adults eager to explore the world of fiber arts. Led by Library Technician Tawny, each month will bring a unique focus on a different topic, promising an enriching and hands-on experience for participants.

The Wonder Workshop series aims to provide a welcoming and engaging environment where adults can delve into various fiber arts methodologies, learn new skills, and unleash their creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, there’s something for everyone in this exciting lineup.

These events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

Events by Ana Baker

The “Ventura High School Class of 71 Turns 71” Reunion will be held on June 22,2024, at the Pierpont Raquet Club (500 Sanjon Rd. Vta) from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and light appetizers will be served. Please RSVP by June 1st to: [email protected]
$50 per person-payment information to follow your RSVP

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011, Rose 805-659-9223, or [email protected]. All Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society’s meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. A website with more information can be found at https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup First Saturday of every month! Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family. Supplies provided BYO water.

Paws for Reading brings together young readers and affectionate canine listeners to help boost the confidence of beginning readers. Hill Road Library, Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. and

E.P. Foster Library, Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read a special pooch. Children of all ages are welcome.

Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement program in Camarillo is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. These closed-ended support groups are Parent Loss of Child under age 21(March 7th through May 9th) and Adult Loss of Sibling (March 26th through May 7th). For more information or to enroll, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited. All support groups are free for the community.

March 10: Olivas Adobe 11- 3 p.m. Help us celebrate the birthday of Don Raymundo Olivas at his rancho home, take a docent lead tour, and view the new Celebrating Animals of the Rancho exhibit in the small adobe. Learn how the Olivas family gained and prospered in the beautiful Rancho San Miguel.  At 1 p.m., volunteer training will be for those wanting to spend more time at this hacienda by the sea. There are many ways to volunteer. Plein Aire Ventura County artists will be on-site to paint the coming of spring at the Adobe; all artists are welcome to join. www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe

March 12:Ventura Audubon Society’s March 2024 Program “Birds and Offshore Wind Energy Development: BOEM’s Avian Study Strategy to Assess Data Needs and Effects” with David Pereksta: Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion and streaming via Zoom: The offshore waters and the coastline of the Pacific states and Hawaii provide year-round habitat for many bird species, at least 13 of which are federally listed as threatened or endangered, and 80 others have some level of special status designation. This is a presentation you’ll not want to miss! For more information, visit www.venturaaudubon.org/speakers.

March 13: The Channel Islands Bicycle Club (CIBike) is presenting a free, open invitation to an evening of socializing and enjoying a biking presentation. Bicycles, Bikepacking, and Brews 6:30-8 p.m. at Topa Topa H Q and Brewery, 4880 Colt Street, Ventura. CIBike is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization founded 30 years ago in Ventura County. presentations, bike safety classes for youth, and many other activities. CIBike also has an established grant program that has supported many local non-profits over the years. For more info: www.cibike.org

March 16: On Saturday afternoon, from 1-4 p.m., the Ventura County Genealogical Society will present two lectures. The first is “Railroad Records and Railroad History: Methods for Tracking,” by Paula Stuart-Warren, followed by Stephanie O’Connell on “Reconstructing the Lives of Female Irish Ancestors.” All VCGS lectures are free and open to members and the public. Non-members may request a Zoom invitation at https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/. Please note that VCGS cannot respond to same-day requests.

VCGS is an all-volunteer, public-benefit non-profit corporation [501(c)(3)]. Donations are greatly appreciated. For more information: https://www.venturacogensoc.org.

March 17: Ventura East Rotary is holding our second annual St Patrick’s Day party at Topa Topa brewery on Colt street Ventura from 1-6 pm . The Party includes Irish music and food plus Topa Topa brews a special St Patrick’s Day beer for this event.

All proceeds go to the Ventura Medical Center Ronald McDonald Family Room “Walk for Kids” fundraiser.  Ventura East Rotary meets Thursday at noon at Poinsettia Pavilion, visitors are welcome to learn about how Rotary makes a difference in our community and world.

March 17: Anyone interested in timepieces, both antique and modern, can join the Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors for a watch/clock marketplace, lunch, and a presentation on a horological topic. Bring a watch or clock for a free evaluation at 11 a.m. at the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. nawcc-ch190.com. For Details, contact: Bob McClelland, Director, Public Information (818) 225-8212 [email protected]

March 19: Ventura Senior Men’s Group. We welcome new members, so feel free to visit during the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays for lunch. Your first lunch is free. Members pay $25 for lunch and $25 for annual membership. Mel Felix will give a presentation on Edward Curtis, the famous photographer. According to the Smithsonian, “Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952) undertook the most ambitious photographic project in American history—to take photographs of the Native Americans of the American West before their traditional lifeways disappeared. VSMG meets at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd.

Ojai Happenings

Author J. Andre Boles will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Saturday, March 2, 2024, to talk about his books Monster on Gypsy Hill and Piercing the Lion Heart.

Monster on Gypsy Hill is the true crime tale of the search for the killer or killers of six pretty, young, middle-class women randomly slaughtered by the Gypsy Hill Slasher. Victim number seven, a mental patient, spent thirty-five years in prison for one of the Slasher’s crimes. This soon to be released book tells how good cops and lawyers righted the wrongs of bad cops and lawyers.

Ex-cop, ex-lawyer, and award-winning true crime author J. Andre Boles seeks new readers and listeners to entertain with his tales of chasing bad guys, exonerating the innocent, and calling out those who abuse power. The former oilfield roughneck, ranch hand, US Army tank commander, bus driver, amateur boxer, cop, and lawyer published his first true crime book in 2017. A second book followed in 2019. He lives in the mountains in California’s coastal range where he writes about cops, crime, and the justice system.

Autographed books will be available for purchase following this talk.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

Digital Pop: Moving Lightly is the newest exhibition at the Ojai Valley Museum. It showcases contemporary art made with light, digital video, animation, and motion graphics. This group exhibition electrifies the museum gallery.

Over the past year and a half the museum has hosted two one-night BYOB (Bring Your Own Beamer/Projector) events. Local creators were invited to participate by projecting their work on the blank walls of the museum. Those popular happenings illuminated a group of new media artists working in our community.

Digital Pop was born from a desire to extend the energy brought to the museum by the BYOB events. Content creator Jennifer Jordan Day curated the exhibition. The local artists included in Digital Pop responded to an open call. They are Emily Allard, Jennifer Jordan Day, John Delaney, Joel Fox, Tilman Egel Karapandzic, Ben Grace, Cassandra C. Jones, Amun Levy, Douglas Lochner, Joe Manfredi, Rebecca Odes, Jamie Stratford, and Jules Weissman.

Each artist provides a diverse perspective on art and technology. Participants play with a mix of sculptural and electronic components. They break expectations of moving imagery, and push display boundaries with interactive works.

The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Free parking is available behind the museum, enter the lot from Blanche Street. The Museum is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Suggested admission is $5 per adult, and $1 for children 5-18.